Liverpool receive unlikely Alexander Isak boost as manager makes telling transfer decision

Liverpool have received an unlikely boost in their pursuit of Alexander Isak, with Newcastle given hope of signing a replacement striker before the end of the transfer window. Isak's future at Newcastle remains unclear despite the start of the Premier League fast approaching

The Swede, 25, wants to leave the Magpies after enjoying three stellar seasons in the north east. Liverpool, despite signing a striker in Hugo Ekitike this summer, have already submitted an opening offer of £120million, which Newcastle rejected.

Newcastle have informed Isak that they will not allow him to leave under any circumstances, as they want to ensure they have an adequate replacement up top. It is claimed Isak has been told he will not play for the club again until he accepts this fact - something the striker is understood not to have taken well.

READ MORE: Eddie Howe hints at Alexander Isak exit with pointed remark to leave Liverpool on red alert

READ MORE: Chelsea drop Nicolas Jackson price tag considerably following transfer demand

But while the former Real Sociedad hitman is forced to train away from his team-mates and miss pre-season friendlies, Newcastle target Nicolas Jackson is enduring the same treatment in west London.

The Chelsea forward, 24, told the club he wants to leave Stamford Bridge earlier this week. Jackson was then left out of Enzo Maresca's squad against Bayer Leverkusen on Friday and trained alone at Cobham during the day.

He was also left out of Sunday's game against AC Milan, having been the Blues' first-choice striker last season. The forward is expected to leave before the end of the summer transfer window amid interest from Newcastle and Tottenham, with Chelsea open to a sale despite him signing a contract extension until 2033 last season.

Jackson's arrival at Newcastle would be a hugely welcome addition given Eddie Howe's desperation for a forward - the Toon have already missed out on a number of key targets this summer, including Chelsea signing Joao Pedro, Benjamin Sesko and Ekitike - and could pave the way for Isak to leave for Liverpool.

Isak's potential move to Liverpool has only exacerbated the situation, given that he scored a crucial 27 goals last season across all competitions. Despite Newcastle's aforementioned stance on not letting Isak leave, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool will return with an improved second offer.

Jackson, who arrived at Chelsea for £32m in 2023, would provide versatility up front off the back of a season where he notched 13 goals and six assists, and 30 goals in total since his move from Villarreal.

Blues boss Maresca said regarding his recent omission from the squad: "He's okay. When the transfer window is open, unfortunately or fortunately, anything can happen. This also involves Nico's situation. At the moment, we also had two strikers arrive, both of them in the USA, Joao (Pedro) and Liam (Delap). So we will see what happens."

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